In July this year, in honour of Mandela Day, Impala Rustenburg distributed 7 425 sanitary towels to 2 472 girls across 13 Impala-supported high schools in its mine communities. In addition, the company celebrated the 26 home-based caregivers it sponsored, in collaboration with Tapologo Hospice, who recently graduated and received their Occupational Certificate in Home-Based Care. These two initiatives further advance Impala Rustenburg’s efforts to improve the quality of life for communities around its operations.
Impala Rustenburg, in partnership with Tapologo Hospice, celebrated the graduation of 26 home-based caregivers on Mandela Day. Pictured here are the graduates with Bishop Kevin Dowling, chair of Tapologo Hospice, Moses Motlhageng, chief executive at Impala Rustenburg, and Steven Blakeman, CEO of Tapologo Hospice. Supplied by Impala Rustenburg
Data from the World Bank Group indicates that an estimated 500 million women lack access to feminine hygiene products. To foster an environment where girls can continue their education without interruption, Impala initiated a menstrual hygiene management project. Throughout the week leading up to Mandela Day, and on the day itself, Impala teams spent 67 minutes at several schools distributing the sanitary towels.
Moses Motlhageng, chief executive at Impala Rustenburg, said, “Through this initiative, we aim to make a real difference in the lives of young women by reducing absenteeism, boosting productivity, and minimising health risks and mental stress. We believe in empowering women and girls to actively participate in the economic life of our communities and the mining industry.”
Another highlight of Mandela Day was celebrating the graduation of 26 home-based caregivers. Their training programme was facilitated by Tapologo Hospice, an NPO providing home-based care to people in the Bojanala district living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. The programme was funded by Impala Rustenburg through student bursaries. This year’s graduates received their certificates — and the essential tools needed for their roles — at a ceremony at the Impala Visitors Centre on 18 July.